Editorial Assistant

TalentAlly; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Michigan Press seeks an Editorial Assistant to assist two acquisitions editors in scouting, developing, and acquiring scholarly monographs, trade books, and textbooks. You will handle author communication, ensure accuracy and timeliness, and serve as a regular contact for authors through the publication process.

This is a two-year term position. You will track projects, manage records, coordinate across departments, and help move around 40 titles into production annually, while

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required.
• Experience writing to and speaking with scholarly authors.
• Experience handling a high volume of email.
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines consistently.
• Demonstrated history of attention to detail.
• Ability to work and track tasks independently.
• Demonstrated interest in using technology for process improvement.
• Ability to enter data or text quickly and accurately.

Responsibilities

• Track projects from submission to production and maintain records, files, and the press database.
• Coordinate between departments about active projects and track conversations.
• Move around 40 titles into production annually.
• Assist editors in seeking and querying reviewers and ensure reviews are submitted timely.
• Draft, assemble, proofread memos for internal and external meetings.
• Prepare preliminary budget plans for projects.
• Draft and process contracts for new books and series and send to authors for initial review.
• Process reader payments, invoices for title subventions, and copies of books.
• Work with authors to prepare manuscripts per UMP submission guidelines.
• Collaborate with U-M Press on workflows for born-digital publications.
• Support special projects like grant writing and conference travel.

Skills

Author communication

Email management

Time management

Attention to detail

Independent work

Tech-enabled processes

Education

Associate's degree

Job description

Job Summary

The Editorial Assistant assists two acquisitions editors in their efforts to scout, develop, and acquire scholarly monographs, trade books, and textbooks. As the Editorial Assistant you will have more than a support role; you will have responsibility for author communication and for accuracy, timeliness, and troubleshooting at different stages in the life of a book. You will also serve as one of the authors' regular contacts, helping them navigate the details of the publication process. This job offers a great opportunity to learn the book acquisitions process at a major university press. This is a two-year term position.

Responsibilities

• Assist two editors by tracking projects throughout the publication process and maintaining records, files, and the press database
• Communicate between departments about active projects and keep track of the details of these conversations
• Move around 40 titles into production annually
• Assist editors in seeking and querying reviewers and ensuring reviews are submitted in a timely manner
• Help to draft, assemble, and proofread memos about potential projects for internal and external meetings
• Prepare preliminary budget plans for potential and current projects
• Draft and process contracts for new books and book series and send them to authors for initial review
• Process and send reader payments, invoices for title subventions, and complimentary copies of books
• Work closely with authors to prepare manuscripts for production, confirming that all necessary elements of the manuscript are in-house and formatted according to UMP submission guidelines
• Work with other departments at the U-M Press to create and implement workflows and procedures for born-digital publications and related media
• Work with acquisitions editors and other press departments on special projects and activities related to book acquisition, such as grant writing and travel to conferences

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree
• Experience writing to and speaking with scholarly authors
• Experience handling a high volume of email
• Strong time management and ability to meet deadlines consistently
• Demonstrated history of attention to detail
• Ability to work and track tasks independently
• Demonstrated interest in using technology for process improvement
• Ability to enter data or text quickly and accurately

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience in book, journal, or magazine publishing, whether professional, extracurricular, or volunteer
• Interest in digital scholarship and alternative (e.g., open access) business models

Why Work at Michigan?

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off (12 vacation days per year, and 15 sick leave days a year), matched retirement contributions with immediate vesting, professional development opportunities, and more. TIAA and Fidelity Investments' retirement benefits are available.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact [emailprotected].

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.The review and selection process maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.